Foolish Wiring Questions

[TechnoFool]

Somehow I foolishly committed to doing the low voltage wiring for our new house construction, and now I realize that the more I learn, the less I know. So please help me learn more or know even less.

My wiring will include 14/2 cable for in-ceiling speakers, a 5.1 or 7.1 system, security system, cat6 networking, HDMI and IR. The in-ceilings will be powered by Audiosource Amp 100s (50W per channel), and the home theater to be determined. Maybe throw in a little coax and an obligatory but extinct phone connection, and I hope to be all set. So here are my questions for all you experts:

1. As long as I stay away from AC or cross perpendicular, which of my wires can I run together and which ones should be separated?

2. What tips do you have about wiring near plumbing and HVAC? Any definite places to avoid or ways to make this safe?

3. How do I protect the in-ceiling speakers from blown in or rolled-in bat insulation?

4. How would you test the runs during pre-wire? I will have limited time until insulation/drywall, but don't want to be surprised a few months later that I messed it up.

5. What recommendations do you have for an IR controller system? Any thoughts about extending the reach for about 100 feet? Can I just splice this together (what gauge) and would the signal be strong enough?

6. Any other advice for a newbie to make this as painless as possible?

Thanks in advance!

Andreas

 

[TLS Guy]

Somehow I foolishly committed to doing the low voltage wiring for our new house construction, and now I realize that the more I learn, the less I know. So please help me learn more or know even less.

My wiring will include 14/2 cable for in-ceiling speakers, a 5.1 or 7.1 system, security system, cat6 networking, HDMI and IR. The in-ceilings will be powered by Audiosource Amp 100s (50W per channel), and the home theater to be determined. Maybe throw in a little coax and an obligatory but extinct phone connection, and I hope to be all set. So here are my questions for all you experts:

1. As long as I stay away from AC or cross perpendicular, which of my wires can I run together and which ones should be separated?

2. What tips do you have about wiring near plumbing and HVAC? Any definite places to avoid or ways to make this safe?

3. How do I protect the in-ceiling speakers from blown in or rolled-in bat insulation?

4. How would you test the runs during pre-wire? I will have limited time until insulation/drywall, but don't want to be surprised a few months later that I messed it up.

5. What recommendations do you have for an IR controller system? Any thoughts about extending the reach for about 100 feet? Can I just splice this together (what gauge) and would the signal be strong enough?

6. Any other advice for a newbie to make this as painless as possible?

Thanks in advance!

Andreas

My advice is to get plastic plumbing tubing and run the wiring in that. You may well make a mistake, but if you run plastic conduit you can wire it later and rectify mistakes without tearing the house apart. Just make sure the conduit is big enough to allow the cables to pass easily, especially on the turns. Get a good long snake to pull the wires.

 

[Cosmic Char]

Running data wires across/perpendicular power is ok. Running parallel will cause potential interferences. I think the same can be said with analogue speaker wire, but I am uncertain of this. The better shielded cable you buy, the less chances to have interference, but I am sure you knew this fact. Unfortunately, it is more expensive in most cases. Inexpensive plumbing grade PVC is an excellent idea for conduit. I would get 1/2-3/4 inch and buy the long bends turns if possible. It's more likely to snag on 90 degree bends. Good luck and take pictures!!! And please post your progress!